What do ex nurses do?

[nextafternursing]

I am currently nursing in the NHS, at top of Bnad 6. My job is fairly doomed so I need to start looking at other options.

Due to the nature of my current role, moving to an alternative NHS post would mean taking a band 5 salary (approx £8kpa pro rata pay cut)

So while I am looking out for suitable nursey jobs, I am also considering alternative careers.

If you are a nurse who no longer nurses - what do you do now? Or any bright ideas/suggestions warmly welcomed.

I have basic IT skills only, hate to travel (so medical rep not for me), and don't fancy beautician type stuff...Argh I am woefully underqualified for anything else. I can pull a decent pint if these get desperate

eeeugh eyes Too...wet and eyebally. I'm much better with drier body parts TBH.

Paramedic - shift system wouldn't work with the children and I just don't fancy it much for some reason - not knowing what happens afterwards. Just read the book from the paramedic blog though, 'Blood Sweat and Tea' and loved reading about it, just wouldn't want to do it.

Told you I was a PITA

I trained to do botox and dermal fillers 2 years ago and worked for myself. I made tons of cash but NMC got a bee in their bonnet about using a remote prescriber in harley St (even though it was not illegal, it was frowned upon). I now work as a practice nurse. My background was CCU, ITU and A&E so have had to do extra courses for smears, travel, asthma, baby vaccinations but every day I use my previous experience. I love being out of hospital politics, I have a paid 15 min coffee break in the am, a 1 hour lunch break and I only work school hours. It took 3 seperate applications for jobs before I got this one as yes, they were all looking ideally for experience but within 2 years I have now been promoted to their band 7 over those with years of experience. I am thinking of asking for term time only contact next year.

PS, sorry, forgot to say good luck on your search.

You can get into primary care without previous experience as it's one of those jobs where you can only get the experience in the job!

There is a lack of PNs at the mo as so many are retiring (traditionally an 'older nurses' role) and the increased requirements in primary care mean that there is more and more need for nurses in practices.

Look out for Treatment Room nurse posts as these tend to be for nurses with no PN experience as they don't tend to do chronic disease management. If you get a good practice they will train you in post as to what they need, whether that's Family Planning, diabetes, asthma etc.

Good luck!

Hi, I am a nurse currently working for the London Ambulance Service .. its still NHS so you don't lose your pension and they have very good flexible hours - or family friendly hours as they call it.

Good Luck Searching

Will definately look out for Treatment room/practice nurse things, as I would like it, and it would fit in well. I may be able to offer telephone triage if they triage for emergency appts so that would be good.

Have spoken to my local HV contact and she will let me know when they are next putting places out, she's not my HV just someone I know.

Goldenbrowne - I currently triage Cat C calls as a small part of my present role and find it quite, erm, well you certainly get variety that's for sure (probably outing myself here, hence the name change!)

Tulip - your job sounds perfect for me When will you leave??

Lots of greats ideas there, has cheered me up no end. The thought of either taking a ward post on Band 5, or maybe 2 nights in a nursing home was a bit depressing and I just couldn't think of where to start looking for something just a bit more interesting basically.

Medical advisor to a legal firm??

Outpatient job?

Good luck in whatever you find.

NHS direct, or telephone triage for out of hours GP's- your previous experience would be valued in this role. Agencies such as Thornbury offer good pay for work in the community too, with the flexibility of choosing when you want to work.

I'm ex Ortho Ward Sister and DN. Now work in disabled students section at a university.

Have done Clinical Trials work in the past - lots of venepuncture and decent hours but a lot of the major trials units may not be in your area.

Travel Nurse Consultant?

I would recommend a career in aesthetic medicine....there are a few courses around that help with starting off. Botox and Dermal filler injections are becoming more popular and the demand for well trained health care professionals is increasing. Check out Esthetiqueacademy.co.uk

Hi. I realise it's been a while since you posted the above re work after family and nursing. I'm in your position now looking at moving my work situation on but within my skills base and I just wondered how it worked out. Kxx

Cqc inspector
Health assessor for benefits office or private company
Marie curie advisor
Assistant school matron
Custody nurse
IMCA advocate

Thank you.

The OP posted in 2010, I hope she’s sorted now 😂